Kent, UK
Product design and support technician
at Cashmere Caveman Co
Cashmere Caveman Co is hiring a product design and support technician to join its team in Kent, UK.
Reporting to: head of design
Hours: full-time, permanent (40 hours, Monday to Friday)
Salary: £35k pa
Location: Unit 10, Quarry Wood, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7UB
About Cashmere Caveman Co, WildKitchens
Cashmere Caveman Co, Wild Kitchens (CCCWK) was founded by Guy Ritchie and is home to the WildKitchen, WildTent, and WildTable. Combining Guy’s love of fire, BBQ’s and the great outdoors, these high-end, outdoor lifestyle products bring a brand-new way to cook, gather and eat outdoors. It is finally possible to enjoy al fresco dining all year round, within the world’s first, fully-retractable canvas and hardwood WildTent, whilst cooking on the unique WildTable. The products have featured in Guy Ritchie’s films and TV series including the very successful The Gentlemen TV series on Netflix.
The company, which launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021, has been through an extensive process of research and development, and is now on a fast growth trajectory. CCCWK is looking to increase sales and production both in the UK, and to a wider international market. As well as a steady UK business, WildKitchens have already been sold to clients in USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Spain, Portugal and Italy, and WildTables much further afield.
The role
CCCWK are looking for an experienced, technically-minded product specialist to join the team. At the heart of the product range is the WildTable, a uniquely versatile cooking and heating device. CCCWK are constantly looking to evolve their existing product range, but also to diversify into other similar outdoor lifestyle and fire cooking products. As such, the Product Design & Support Technician will be the go to person for knowledge and experience to support and evolve the WildTable, and other fire cooking products. This is a one of a kind role, and will support the Head of Design to ensure CCCWK establishes its reputation as the best in class in these product groups.
The successful candidate will need to have some design experience in product development, an interest in cooking and grilling on charcoal, and practical hands on skills for prototyping, testing and repairing products. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in a sector such as wood-burning stoves or other relevant BBQ products however we are keen to hear from anyone who feels their experiences are relevant. The role will report to the Head of Design, but also work closely with requirements and feedback from the owner to support product development and a design pipeline. The role will also work closely with the Warehouse Team to provide technical support for products, as well as on occasional installs, deliveries and repairs.
CCCWK products are high value and best in market, and this ethos and requirement for accuracy, quality and precision permeates everything that the company does.
Main duties and responsibilities
Product design and prototyping:
- support the head of design, as well as other key members of the team including the owner, to brainstorm and conceptualise new product design ideas, as well as improvements to existing products ensuring feasibility and practicality
- ongoing product design reviews to improve margin of products through ease of assembly, longevity of product life or improved processes and material specification
- work with the head of design to manage the prototyping process by identifying appropriate suppliers and commissioning regular product prototypes
- test prototypes and manage the iteration process internally and with the supplier
- stay updated with emerging technologies, materials, and industry best practices
Design support:
- draft precise and detailed manufacturing drawings for concept designs when needed using CAD software
- assist the head of design to keep all design information and drawing organised for the purposes of easy procurement and supplier tendering
- work with suppliers to turn design drawings into final design files, through prototyping and modelling, and ensure final drawings are signed off by the head of design
- liaise with the installation team when needed, ensuring technical upgrades and any design changes are understood, clearly communicated and accurately implemented
Product support:
- through extensive use, practice and research, become the Company specialist in fire cooking, grilling and use of WildTables. This will involve communicating with chefs and users to create an extensive knowledge base and best practice user guide
- infrequently support the tent team with installations and repairs
- work with the tent team manager, warehouse manager and head of design to and troubleshoot problems and develop long term solutions
- support the warehouse team to prepare and deliver WildTables, furniture and accessories, including the development of handover checklists and product training
- work with the marketing manager to propose appropriate marketing content to demonstrate the key features of the WildTable and other fire cooking products, and also the tips, tricks and different ways to get the most out of the product
Tooling and procurement:
- work with the head of operations to ensure the appropriate specification of tooling in the workshop based on current and anticipated activities and volumes
- oversee the ongoing annual maintenance and servicing of all workshop tooling and set up support and maintenance contracts for tooling accordingly
- carry out training with all members of the team using tools to ensure correct and safe usage in line with the tooling recommendations and Company H&S policy and develop standard operating procedures where appropriate
- oversee the fixings specification required in the workshop for the assembly of all CCCWK products
Skills and attributes
Desirable skills:
- a long standing interest and practical experience in charcoal cooking products
- three plus years’ of demonstrable experience in product design or technical product support
- drawing skills and software experience in CAD systems
- experience with power tools
- practical experience and an understanding of working with metalwork fabricators
- experience in product testing and UK product compliance
- experience in supporting, maintaining and servicing standard workshop tooling
- reasonable woodworking skills
- a UK driving license
- a valid passport for international travel will be required
Personal attributes:
- precision, accuracy and a logical approach to work
- problem-solving and creative skills to keep trialling new initiatives, evaluating and refining designs
- proactive, positive and can-do mindset
- clear and persuasive written and verbal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively and appropriately with clients and senior management
- ability to work in a busy, dynamic environment and to manage time effectively and juggle priorities
- professional, dedicated, loyal to the brand
Working hours:
- basic daily hours are 8.00am to 5.00pm
- flexibility will be required for any client site visits or supplier visits that are further away
- for any international travel, all expenses are covered by the company
Benefits:
- annual leave is 20 days per annum, plus Bank Holidays. On a discretionary basis, the office is also closed between Christmas and New Year, which is not deducted from annual leave entitlement
- WildTable for use at home (there may be some deductible BIK to pay)